Living Dead Girl

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Blogger: Nerdy
Type: Fiction, Book
Age Group: YA
Response: I couldn't put it down. It was scary, even a little sickening at times. I had a sense of dread as the end came rushing up because the situation felt so real, as if I was reading a true account of events. It's simply amazing and not for the weak hearted. Because of the violence and sexual content, especially the fact the main character is sexually abused and brainwashed by her kidnapper for five years, I would recommend this title to mature teens only. I can imagine adults who wouldn't be able to get through it. It's a very uncomfortable topic. I was certainly left uneasy. But parents might want to read it just for a better understanding and how important it is to teach their children about the dangers of strangers! They may not always be suspicious. Alice's kidnapper didn't seem creepy to her. He posed as an aquarium employee. Gripping and very emotional...

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Blogger: Nerdy
Type: Fiction, Book
Age Group: YA
Response: I finally read this one! I've been told a long time that I HAVE to. I wondered what I was missing. I knew it meant to be a thinker, but it was different than I anticipated. I somehow thought The Giver was exiled an from the community. I'm glad there is a squeal, which I'll have to get to soon. I'd really like to know what the next story was all about. I'm curious to see if this orderly society breaks down.

The giver is a great thought provoker for younger readers. I never read it for school, but I can see why this would be a favorite in English or Reading class. Symbolism and themes. Lots of room for discussions.

But personally it really made me wonder about the good and bad in a society that is so carefully structured. Everyone was taken care of and it was set up so everyone was safe and happy. But self discovery seemed to be non existent. Being an individual is impossible. Would I give that up for being safe...? Of course not, BUT all the same, being taken care of is a nice thought. Trained for a job, being given all I needed to survive.. it is a nice thought. But I couldn't give up the freedom to do what I wanted for that.

Lyra's Oxford by Phillip Pullman

Lyra's Oxford by Phillip Pullman

Blogger: Nerdy
Type: Fiction, Book
Genre: Fantasy
Age Group: Teen and Juvenile
Pages: 67
Response: My only disappointment was that the story was not longer! The book is short and a quick read an a nice addition to Lyra's adventures if you enjoyed the His Dark Materials trilogy. I was also happy to know there is ANOTHER book set in this universe called Once Upon A Time In The North. Hopefully Pullman has more adventures planned in this universe. I enjoy how it so like our own, but different enough to be a realistic fantasy. It's almost historical in way instead of fantastical.

Anyway, Lyra and her daemon help a daemon who has been separated from his witch. However it soon becomes clear their good intentions are mixed up with something more sinister.

Nerdy's Objectives

Nerdy's Goals

• I will read 50 or more books in 2009.
• The books I will read will be adult and young adult fiction and non fiction chapter books.
• I am allowed 5 guilty pleasure reads which will include titles that do not fit into a specific category.
• I will try to read a well rounded mixture of titles from different genre's so that I am not always ready the same kind of books. I will include Thriller/Suspence, Horror/Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Historical, Comedy, Drama, Adventure/Action, Sports and hopefully Poetry and Literary Classics.
• I will offer a short opinion on the book once I have finished it.
• I have until December 31st 2009 to reach my goal.

Nerdy's Specifics:

• Guilty Pleasures include magazines, graphic novels, and out of the ordinary books (cook books, self help, pictorials, newspapers, plays, etc)
• 15 Children's books will equal one book
• Audio books count and have no restrictions
• 5 Magazines (if read cover to cover, ie, every article) will count as one book
• 5 Graphic Novels/Manga are equal to one book
  
  
  
  These are my rules for myself and my reading. I must follow them. No one else participating in this activity is required to follow my objectives.

Reading Wishlist

I have not been reading as many books as I'd like lately. This blog is part of my attempt in the new year to read at least 50 (or more books) in 2009. I'll give a brief summary and a short review! :D

Some Rules For Myself...

• 20 Children's books will equal one book
• Audio books count and have no restrictions
• 5 Magazines (if read cover to cover, ie, every article) will count as one book
• 5 Graphic Novels/Manga are equal to one book
• Books over 500 pages long may count as two books (in question)

I am allowed 5 guilty pleasure reads. This means 5 slots can be anything I want. I haven't decided what they will be since I figured out how many graphic novels, magazines, and children's books count as ONE book. They will probably end up being from the trashy romance genre or books with very little redeeming value.